There’s a big difference between the definition of a word and its meaning.

When I think of a definition, I think of its denotation. You know, looking it up in a dictionary and seeing its definition in terms of something concrete or black and white.

Then there’s the meaning of a word. The nuances of it. The perspective of the person and what it means to them. The connotation of it.

I started thinking about this, because I’m in the process of rebranding my logo. As I worked on it, I got stuck. So, I did what any normal person would do, get suggestions from a Facebook post.

I asked the following question:

“When you think of the word adventure, what words come to mind?”

–Chris Denker

The responses were heartfelt and detailed, whimsical and light, and as varied as you might expect.

Some people gave descriptive words: parenting, spontaneous, life, travel, fun, experience, opportunity, and wanderlust.

Others talked about places, general and specific: the mountains; getting in an RV with no plan, no agenda, and a coffee in hand; getting a caravan and driving through New Zealand.

One person said being married to their spouse was an adventure.

And there there were the people who went deep. They drilled down their answer to encompass details.

“…stepping out of your comfort zone with hope and an open mind. It could be changing careers, eating a purely vegetarian diet for a month, or looking for friendships in a new part of town. Embrace the new. Adapt or die. That’s what adventure means to me.”

–S.K.

“Adventure always involves learning, and learning is an adventure in and of itself. You can’t go to new places or do new things without learning.”

–N.S.

“…getting uncomfortable and trying new things, places, or ideas. Immersing yourself in the ways of those different from you.”

–K.I.

Where to go from here.

As I continue to flesh out what adventure means to me and how I want to define it in the long-term for my brand and how I want to serve others, there’s a lot for me to consider.

Instead of feeling stuck, I now I have so many variations and perspectives of what adventure is.

One thing I do know is that adventure is highly personal. How one person feels about it is going to be completely different than how another feels.

My goal is to not make it all encompassing, because it won’t be. My goal is that when I land on my new logo and mantra is that the words will truly resonate for others and that it will springboard positive feelings in how they define and see it.

I can’t wait to share the final design with you on August 1.

Until then…

Be well, friends.